What is the legal implication of receiving stolen property?

The legal implication of receiving stolen property is that the defendant must have known, or should have reasonably known, that the property was stolen. This element of knowledge is crucial to establishing guilt; it demonstrates the defendant's intent and culpability. If a person unknowingly received stolen property, they typically would not fulfill the necessary legal criteria for conviction under most jurisdictions' laws regarding receiving stolen goods. The law aims to penalize those who participate knowingly in the handling of stolen goods, thereby discouraging theft and the trade of stolen property.

In the context of the other options, while returning the property to its rightful owner is often encouraged, it is not a legal requirement for conviction. Additionally, the defendant does not necessarily have to have physically taken the property; simply receiving it is sufficient for liability if the knowledge of its stolen status is proven. Lastly, stolen property laws can apply to both movable and immovable property, depending on the jurisdiction, making the focus on the distinction of "movable" property less relevant to the essential legal implications of the offense.